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What you need to know about Florida today
New Florida jobless assistance claims hit a pandemic low — but not for contract workers
New applications for jobless assistance in Florida stayed at a pandemic low, even as week-to-week figures continued to be revised. The Labor Department reported Thursday that new Florida claims for federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, the program for workers such as contract employees not eligible for regular jobless benefits, continued to trend unevenly. For the week ending March 6, new PUA claims climbed from 2,262 to 2,925 — but as recently as the week ending Feb. 20, new PUA claims were as high as 11,473. More from the Miami Herald and the News Service of Florida.
Business Beat - Week of March 12
Check out the top news-to-know with Florida Trend's headline-focused video newsbrief, hosted by digital content specialist Aimée Alexander.
As Florida wipes away COVID-19 fines, confusion looms over how to enforce safety rules during spring break
Florida has just wiped away any COVID-19-related fines against people and businesses over the past year — leaving communities trying to figure out how they’ll enforce the safety rules, especially as throngs of people hit the bars and beaches for spring break. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ new order dismissed fines that were issued against people and businesses for violating local COVID laws, including mask violations, between March 1, 2020, and Wednesday. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
Florida on pace for record number of manatee deaths in 2021
A combination of cold weather, a decline in seagrass due to development and contaminated waterways have put Florida on pace for its highest number of manatee deaths in a decade. The number of deaths, 432 so far this year, is nearly three times the five-year average of 146 deaths between Jan. 1 and March 5, the South Florida SunSentinel reported, citing figures from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Last year, the state recorded 637 manatee deaths, and in 2019, 607. More from the AP and the Tampa Bay Times.
Florida is holding a ‘treasure hunt’ worth millions. Here’s how to grab your share.
The state of Florida is giving away money. Or, you could say Florida is returning money. And all that’s required is a visit to a website and a bit of paperwork. There’s a one-in-five chance you have unclaimed property, according to the state. Florida said it paid $323 million to residents last year. A variety of property can be claimed, most commonly refunds/credit balances, uncashed checks, life insurance benefits, stocks, bonds and items in safe deposit boxes. [Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel]
ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:
› Lawsuit: Florida sheriff’s intel program harasses people
A federal lawsuit contends that a Florida sheriff is violating people’s rights through an intelligence-based policing program that improperly targets and harasses them. The sheriff rejects those claims. The lawsuit filed Wednesday in Tampa federal court claims the Pasco Sheriff’s Office “punishes people for crimes they have not committed and may never commit” — a practice dubbed predictive policing.
› Brightline reveals cost details and route choices for Disney service in 5 years
Brightline disclosed on Thursday its most detailed explanation so far on costs for a corridor between the airport and a Disney World station, preferring a $1 billion route piggybacking on Road 417 through Hunters Creek over a more than $2 billion route along State Road 528 to International Drive. Passenger service of nearly 17 miles from Orlando International Airport to a station at Walt Disney World’s Disney Springs is slated to start in five years, said Brightline’s executive vice president of infrastructure development, Michael Cegelis.
› Florida House takes swing at stadium funding
A proposal is once again in play to eliminate an untouched pool of state money approved in 2014 to help build and renovate professional sports stadiums. The House Ways & Means Committee on Thursday voted 16-1 to approve a proposal (HB 6011) that would repeal the funding program, which spells out steps for state dollars to become available for stadium construction and renovation.
› Is biotech back in Palm Beach County? Company is closer to opening an incubator complex in Jupiter
Real estate is the shiny star of Palm Beach County's economy these days, but biotechnology is starting to percolate, too. After months of delays, Beacon Pharmaceutical Jupiter finally is moving forward with a plan to develop a $150 million biotech incubator and manufacturing center in the town. The facility would be built on nine acres of town-owned land, just west of Florida's Turnpike on Indiantown Road.
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